CSBS DP™

Derived from CSBS™ and compatible with most developmental curricula, the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile™ (CSBS DP™) is the best and easiest way to pick up early delays in social communication, expressive speech/language, and symbolic functioning—often the first sign of a developmental delay or disability. Based on both parent report and face-to-face evaluation of the child, CSBS DP results provide a great starting point for planning IFSPs, identifying areas for further assessment, determining the efficacy of interventions, and documenting changes in a child’s behavior over time.

The CSBS DP Infant-Toddler Checklist, the first component of CSBS DP, made headlines in a widely publicized study reported in the April 2011 Journal of Pediatrics: When pediatricians used the checklist to screen children at 1-year well-baby check-ups, the tools showed great promise in detecting possible early signs of autism. Download the ITC for free and get the companion Easy-Score™ CD-ROM that makes scoring and interpreting results a snap.

Step 1

Have the primary caregiver complete the 5–10 minute Infant-Toddler Checklist, answering 24 questions grouped under 7 key language predictors. (Clinicians may also present the questions in an interview format)

Step 2

If scores indicate concern, conduct further evaluation with the 15- to 25-minute follow-up Caregiver Questionnaire.

Step 3

Score behavior during a 30-minute face-to-face behavior sample in which you observe the child interacting with a caregiver using familiar toys and books

Step 4

Have the parent fill out the Caregiver Perception Rating form to compare the child’s behavior during the sample to his or her typical behavior

Step 5

Share results with parents. If results indicate areas of concern, recommend further evaluation to determine if the child is eligible for early intervention services

At a glance

What is it?

An easy-to-use, norm-referenced screening and evaluation tool that helps determine the communicative competence of infants and toddlers, measured by predictors of language development such as eye gaze, gestures, sounds, words, understanding, and play.

Which age range does it cover?

CSBS DP is used with infants and toddlers whose functional communication age is between 6 months and 24 months (chronological age from about 6 months to 6 years).

What areas does it assess?

CSBS DP measures 7 language predictors: emotion and eye gaze, communication, gestures, sounds, words, understanding, and object use

Who completes it?

Caregivers and professionals trained to assess young children (e.g., speech-language pathologists, early interventionists, or psychologists); professionals score

What are its components?

CSBS DP includes a 1-page Infant-Toddler Checklist, a 4-page follow-up Caregiver Questionnaire, and a Behavior Sample, taken while the child interacts with a parent present

How long does it take?

5–10 minutes for the Infant-Toddler Checklist, 15–25 minutes for the Caregiver Questionnaire, 30 minutes for the Behavior Sample

Is it valid and reliable?

Yes. CSBS DP was successfully tested for validity and reliability with large samples of children (2,188 for the checklist, 790 for the Caregiver Questionnaire, and 337 for the Behavior Sample)